Hillians pick up point on Play-Off trail

Under 21 and Youth team goalkeeper Matt Morrish came into the starting line-up for his debut with regular stopper Alan Mansfield ruled out with an injury. Youth teamer Lee Harding also came into the line-up for his first start. Centre halves Chris Breach (injured) and Lee Denyer (suspended) were both missing as was Joe Keehan (injured).

Chipstead came into the game in good form after their midweek victory away at Hastings United but it was the Hillians who started brightly with Lee Harding causing a few problems for the Chips on the left.

Five minutes in skipper Darren Budd put Pat Harding through and his shot from a tight angle was saved by home keeper Milan Stojsavljevic.

Jordan Berry had a half chance for the hosts when he shot high and wide from distance and minutes later Shaun Preddle headed over after a free kick had been flicked on.

A quick free kick taken by Stuart Tuck just inside the hosts half found Spencer Slaughter who turned well and sent a shot that was parried out for a corner by Stojsavljevic and a few minutes later Luer had a free kick from the edge of the box hit the wall.

Hill were forced to make a change when Tuck, who was having a solid game in defence, had to come off injured and was replaced by Toby Pointing on 36 minutes.

Just before half time Slaughter had an effort from the edge of the box go narrowly over the bar after receiving a pass from Luer.

Once again Hillians started brightly and two minutes in Lee Harding had a shot go straight to the keeper and then moments later Slaughter again went close when firing wide after being set up by Lee Harding.

Midway through the second half a mix up between a defender and the Chipstead keeper saw the ball fall for Lee Harding who’s shot was cleared off the line.

Hill continued to pressure the hosts and Budd sent in a cross that Luer headed over the bar whilst at the other end Hillians were rarely troubled with big striker Will Turl who hit a hat-trick against the Hillians for Walton & Hersham at the beginning of the season being kept quiet.

Hillians had a couple of chances late on when sub Max Miller was put through but he shot narrowly wide and in injury time, Lee Harding hit a post when Budd’s free kick was headed out only to Harding who’s shot struck the woodwork from just inside the box.

Hillians: Matt Morrish, Neil Watts, Sam Fisk, Stuart Tuck (Toby Pointing 36), Danny Curd, Graham Martin, Darren Budd, Spencer Slaughter, Lee Harding, Pat Harding, Greg Luer (Max Miller 80).

Not used: Paul Armstrong, Scott Kirkwood, Curtis Gayler.